S2 E1 • Ishinomaki City, Miyagi: Manga Land

On "journeys in japan," our reporter Julian ventures to Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, about 400 kilometers north of Tokyo. Ishinomaki prospered as a fishery town, but recently has become known for promoting Japanese comics. Manga City-Ishinomaki was developed in homage to local manga legend, Shotaro Ishinomori (1938-1998), through the joint efforts of fans and fellow artists. Ishinomori had long dreamed of creating a town where people were exposed to manga on a daily basis. On weekends and holidays, the colorful "Mangattan Liner," which is decorated with famous characters from Ishinomori's work, runs between Sendai and Ishinomaki. Employees, dressed as famous hero characters, greet passengers getting off at Ishinomaki station. Life-size manga figures are also displayed in the station-the gateway to Mangaland-and other characters appear on the façade, as well as stained glass windows. "Manga Road" is lined with 20 full-scale manga characters. Manhole covers, benches and even letterboxes feature manga motifs. The nearly one-kilometer-long "Manga Road" ends at a large river. Its sandbar has been nicknamed "Mangattan" by local residents. The Ishinomaki Mangattan Museum is located here. It houses Ishinomori manga, anime and original artwork. There are game and library areas. The museum promotes the understanding of manga culture and history. Not far from Ishinomaki port is Tashiro-jima Island. Ishinomori adored this island for its low-key atmosphere and gorgeous scenery. At one point, he had planned to relocate his family and entire studio and staff to the island. Now, "Manga Lodges" have been built on the island. Each of the cat-shaped cottages has been painted by leading manga artists, featuring their famous characters. The people of Ishinomaki and Tashiro-jima, in conjunction with leading manga artists, have collaborated to fulfill Shintaro Ishinomori's dreams.

Première diffusion : 11 janvier 2011

S2 E2 • Goto Islands, Nagasaki

In this edition of "journeys in japan," we visit the Goto Islands, in the East China Sea off the west coast of Kyushu, southwest of Japan. Our reporter, American actress Haruka Orth, travels to Fukuejima, the largest of the Goto islands, to meet the people there and find out about the way they live. Minpaku On Fukuejima, a home-stay accommodation system was set up in 2009. Known as the minpaku system, visitors can stay at the homes of local families for a fee of about 6,000 yen per night. It's a chance for visitors to spend time with the host families, eating dinner with them and experiencing the way they live. For an extra charge (2,000 yen), guests can also get hands-on experience of the local people's work, such as fishing and farming. Churches Along the coast of Fukuejima, there are 14 Catholic churches. Such a concentration is unusual anywhere in Japan, and dates from the time when Christians found refuge from persecution on the island during the feudal period. Various churches are introduced, including the white Mizunoura Church; the stately brick Douai Church; and Kaizu Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors are free to look around the churches during regular opening hours. Camellia oil head spa Camellia trees can be found growing all over the island and their oil is one of the specialties of Fukuejima. A salon called Monte Cange offers a head and facial massages using the camellia seed oil. It is located inside the Shirayuri beauty salon, in the main shopping area of Fukue. Bebencobicci Orchestra Young musicians on Fukuejima have formed a band, singing songs about their local area, using their own distinct dialect. Videos of their performances have been posted on YouTube: just run a search for "bebencobicci".

Première diffusion : 18 janvier 2011

S2 E3 • Industrial artisan craftsmanship

This week's "journeys in japan" focuses on the small factories that helped to lay the foundation for Japan's postwar manufacturing prowess. Our reporter Adeyto visits four factories in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Tokyo, to meet craftsmen whose products are in demand all around the world, and to discover their skills and artisan spirit. The first workshop, in Tokyo's Ota Ward, specializes in metalwork, producing a range of products from wine cups and pans to components for Japan's aerospace industry. Thanks to their long experience and remarkable precision, the highly skilled craftsmen can produce these items by hand, to specifications accurate to the nearest 1/100th of a millimeter. Adeyto's second stop is at a foundry in Saitama, just to the north of Tokyo, where craftsmen handle molten steel at temperatures up to 1,510 degrees. Visitors can try their hand at casting small metal objects, such as personalized bottle openers. Next she visits a factory that makes shots used by Olympic champions and shot-putters all around the world. 77-year-old Masahisa Tsujitani's shots are in demand because he can produce them with a center of gravity precisely in the very center. His craftsmanship is so precise he can make them without even looking at his lathe. The fourth and last workshop that Adeyto visits makes high-precision components for aircraft seats. As a sideline, the company also makes a range of exclusive products that are prized by top international celebrities. The company president began making these items for his own amusement, but now they are known worldwide.

Première diffusion : 25 janvier 2011

S2 E4 • Colorful Temple Tour!

In this edition of "journeys in japan," our reporter Ian Thomas Ash visits a number of rare temples known for their vivid colors. Setting off from the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, he heads for a Buddhist temple in Hachioji City in the western part of the capital. Later he continues on north to Saitama, Gunma, and Niigata prefectures. All of the five temples that he visits share the uncommon in common! Ian covers about 300 kilometers on his colorful temple tour.

Première diffusion : 1 février 2011

S2 E5 • Toba City, Mie: The heartland of the pearl

In this week's journeys in japan, we visit Toba-city in Mie-Pref., the town famous for cultured pearls. It was Japan that the first pearls were successfully produced from farmed oysters. The coast around Toba is heavily indented. This kind of topography, known as a ria coastline, is perfect for oyster cultivation. Kokichi Mikimoto is the person who first successfully cultured pearl. In 1888 when he was 40, he first started his research. He experimented with nearly 10 types of oysters, to determine which would form the highest quality pearls. In 1893, after 5 years of experimenting, he finally managed to produce his first cultured pearl. The place we visited was a small island called Pearl Island, there is a museum where visitors can find out about the history of cultured pearls. There are many women divers in Toba who catch shellfish and lobsters. There is the hat where visitors can come to feast on freshly caught seafood by women divers. Everyone can enjoy great seafood and view from this hut. In Toba, pearls are even incorporated in food. Pearl powder is rich in calcium and has been used as a traditional medicine in China since ancient times. We visited the ice cream shop serving the ice cream with pearl powder in. At the end, we visited the place where we can see the artworks using pearls. Toshimi Konishi has been using pearls to make distinctive artworks for 40 years. Konishi says he came up with the idea of making these artworks when he was thinking up ways to use the pearls that have irregular shapes and can't be sold. Also a 20 minutes ferry journey from Toba port brings you to Dolphin Island. There you can watch dolphin and sea lion shows. Another popular site is a pair of rocks known as Meoto-Iwa. Many visitors like to watch the magnificent sunrise from this spot.

Première diffusion : 8 février 2011

S2 E6 • Himi, Takaoka and Gokayama, Toyama

In this edition of "journeys in japan", our reporter Vincent Giry visits Toyama Prefecture, known for its abundant snowfall. He learns how people have adapted to living in the long snowy winters-wisdom accumulated over hundreds of years. Himi He starts out in the port town of Himi. The port is bustling with fishing boats bringing in their catch early every morning. The prized fish here is the yellowtail. In midwinter, yellowtail is in season, and is a popular delicacy. Vincent observes the fish market's auction. Takaoka Then, Vincent moves south to Takaoka, which has a history of more than 400 years. The city has preserved much of its traditional architecture, and is Japan's biggest copperware production center. One workshop welcomes visitors to observe copper casting. He learns about ingenious engineering-on the street and in the home-to help cope with the area's heavy snow. Gokayama Vincent will spend time in Gokayama, a World Heritage site isolated deep in the mountains. Many visit even in the extreme cold of winter for the snow-blanketed scenery. In Ainokura village in Gokayama, the 20 Gassho-style houses there date back 250 years. Gassho-style houses are characterized by their steeply pitched thatch roofs. Gokayama residents make use of the extreme weather of winter to produce top quality washi paper. A few of Gokayama's gassho-zukuri houses provides lodging for visitors.

Première diffusion : 15 février 2011

S2 E7 • Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa: A great get-away on Tokyo's doorstep

On this edition of "journeys in japan," Joshua will be trying his hand at ocean activities, soothing away his stress in spa water, exploring the countryside and simply sitting on the beach. Miura is so close to Tokyo - but it's full of places to relax, and people who know how to do that. Paddle surfing at Kuruwa Beach Joshua tried "Paddle Surfing." It is starting to get very popular in Japan, where it's also known as "paddle boarding." As you can guess from the name, the aim is to stand on the board and paddle along, riding the waves. It's a fun activity, combining the thrill of surfing with the leisurely enjoyment of canoeing. Even beginners can quickly learn how to paddle along slowly - it's almost like walking on the water. Restaruant at Miyagawa Port Joshua loves Japanese food, because it's so healthy and there's such a great variety. In Miyagawa port, there's a great little place for lunch. "Habanori set lunch" is so good at this restaurant. Sabori-Shop at Akiya In Miura they have a great natural environment with the sea, the hills and rivers. It's a great place for a little break from everyday life. Mr Sangawa calls it "sabori." He organize various kinds of "sabori" tours. It could involve napping on one of these hammocks, a kayak trip to a deserted island for a meal; or going out for a walk on a full moon night. Hot Spa at Miura You can enjoy the open-air bath with its wonderful views, even if you're not staying at Kancho-sou. Mitsumugi's bread Mitsuhiro Kageyama produces a range of different bread and cakes at his bakery. Naturally, they're made using the wheat he harvests from his fields. Misaki Morning market The Sunday morning market at Misaki is one of the best-known local attractions. The stalls here sell fresh produce and other foods from all over the peninsula. The Misaki morning market takes place every Sunday from 5 to 9 AM in front of Misaki Sakana Center. Slackline at Hayama Park Slacklining originated as a technique for rock climbers to develop good balance. Later, people began developing jumps and bouncing on the line, and it developed into a distinct sport. Today it's so popular that it even has its own World Cup competition. The slackline enthusiasts gather at Hayama park several times a month. Takibi café Unlike most ordinary cafés, Takibi café does not play any music. Instead, people just enjoy the sound of the waves. The best thing about a "takibi café" is that you can take in the natural energy in an open space. It fills you with energy for the next day.

Première diffusion : 22 février 2011

S2 E8 • Abashiri City, Hokkaido: To the Land of Drift Ice

This week's "journeys in japan," heads 1000 kilometers north of Tokyo to the sea of Okhotsk off the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. From January to March, the area becomes a vast blanket of ice floes. The ice amassing and drifting from Siberia on the currents to Hokkaido are called "drift ice." Our traveler JJ enjoys the wintry splendor of ice floes and other icy pleasures in the area.

Première diffusion : 8 mars 2011

S2 E9 • Mystical Kunisaki: A Journey Back In Time

Kunisaki lies in the northeast of Oita Prefecture. It was an important stopping point on ancient shipping routes. After Buddhism was imported from the Asian mainland, it was fused with indigenous animistic beliefs, giving rise to a distinctive culture that can still be found here in this mountainous peninsula. Since ancient times, the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu has been a center of religious worship. For centuries, the local people here have carved statues out of the rock and stone as an expression of their Buddhist faith. This area is not so well known, but it's starting to become popular among trekkers as a peaceful destination with a special mystical flavor. For over 1,300 years, a colorful festival has been held in Kunisaki to celebrate the arrival of spring. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka sets out to explore the ancient Buddhist heritage found in these mountains. Traveler: Haruka Orth

Première diffusion : 26 avril 2011

S2 E10 • Old Meets New in Kumamoto

Kumamoto-located in central Kyushu-is a regional economic and political hub. The city's symbol is the Kumamoto Castle, rebuilt faithfully to its original state 400 years ago. Our reporter Nelson visits an old shopping district. He enjoys local delicacies and meets warm creative people in an emerging arts district.

Première diffusion : 3 mai 2011

S2 E11 • Matsue, Shimane: Glimpses of Lafcadio Hearn

The city of Matsue lies close to the Sea of Japan coast, in Shimane Prefecture. It's a place filled with history, and has a castle built 400 years ago. Since ancient times, there have been numerous legends about gods and strange beings that have been passed down in this region. Lake Shinji is one of the symbols of Matsue and a source of pride for the local people. It was also an inspiration for a writer from Europe who lived in this tranquil city many decades ago. Lafcadio Hearn came to Matsue 120 years ago to work as an English teacher. He met his wife here and adopted the Japanese name, Koizumi Yagumo. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth explores this traditional city. She gets dressed up in a gorgeous kimono. Then she takes a ride on a sightseeing boat on the moat by the ancient castle. And she visits a shrine that's believed to help people find love and marriage. Haruka also meets two people who have been deeply influenced by Lafcadio Hearn. Traveler: Haruka Orth

Première diffusion : 10 mai 2011

S2 E12 • Cape Muroto in Early Spring

The destination of this time's journey is Cape Muroto in Kochi Prefecture, that is based at the southeastern corner of the Shikoku Main Island. Jutting out significantly into the Pacific Ocean, Cape Muroto enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, thanks to the warm Kuroshio Current flowing near the shore. Hawaiian-born Michael Rivas visited Cape Muroto in early March to get the feel of early spring. At first, Michael stops at the rocky area covering the very end of the cape. This area is part the Muroto Anan Kaigan Quasi-National Park which was registered in 1964. Varied configurations of the earth's surfaces and unusually-shaped rocks sticking out from the ground were raised from the seabed over a period of 100 billion years by the dynamic tectonic activity. Michael asks landscape photographer Hakushi Maeda to introduce him the charms of Cape Muroto's local nature. The most active industry on and around Cape Muroto is fishery. The Kuroshio Current flowing off the cape brings a lot of blessings of the sea. Muroto has a wide variety of fish dishes. Among them, Michael finds dried moray eel especially interesting. In fact, the local people have a dietary tradition to eat the grotesque-looking fish also called "the gang of the sea," The area along the coast is a habitat of one of Japan's wild plants called "hamaazami." Michael goes out to the beach to collect hamaazami together with Ms. Nakagawa whom he meets in the Takaoka District. Later, he has a chance to try home-made cuisines using wild hamaazami to enjoy one of the best tastes of spring at Cape Muroto. Finally, Michael reaches Kiragawa Town, which is characterized by beautiful ancient storages finished with plasters. Kiragawa Town was once thrived with a trade of bincho-tan charcoal. The ancient section of the town was designated as one of the country's traditional architectures preservation district in 1997. It holds a grand doll festival on the 3rd of March every year, in which visitors are free to take a look at the hina dolls exhibited at the local residents' private houses. One of the families keeps a valuable set of hina dolls from between the Meiji Period through the Showa Period. Kiragawa Town offers visitors as well as local residents a good chance to enjoy precious hina dolls that are difficult to get in the present days. Traveler: Michael Rivas

Première diffusion : 17 mai 2011

S2 E13 • Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka

On this edition of "journeys in japan," our reporter JJ visits Kawazu and Shimoda, in Shizuoka Prefecture, in pursuit of typical Japanese spring delicacies. The popular tourist destination is about three hours from Tokyo. First, JJ tries his hand at fly-fishing on the Kawazu River. He's after amago, which is in season. His next stop is a wasabi farm. Grated wasabi is typically served with sashimi and other dishes. But JJ gets to experience new ways of eating grated wasabi, as well as its leaves. He then moves on to a bamboo forest, where he looks for takenoko bamboo shoots just poking out of the ground. Bamboo shoots, with their distinctive texture and slightly sweet flavor, are considered a seasonal delicacy and make their way into a variety of dishes. Nature and food lovers will enjoy this show! Kawazu River access: From Kawazu Station on the Izu Kyuko line, it's a short walk to the river. Purchase a day-permit for 1,000 yen-proceeds go to conserving fish habitats. For more information on prime fishing points and places where permits can be purchased-indicated by fish-shaped icons-visit the website below. Amago season: from March 1 to October 31. Ayu (sweet fish) season: from first week of June to December 31. A word on amago dining: While there are over 50 places to stay near the Kawazu River, none serves amago on a regular basis. JJ stayed at an inn that serves amago seasonally-and only when the owner is able to catch the fish! Wasabi farm access: From Kawazu Station, head toward the mountains on National Route 414 where you will find several shops selling hon-wasabi (fresh wasabi), as well as wasabi leaves chopped and mixed with sake lees. Fresh wasabi is nothing like what is sold in tubes or powder form (which may contain no hon-wasabi at all!). Hon-wasabi is both pungent and sweet. Bamboo shoot digging: The season for takenoko bamboo shoots is generally from April to mid-May. In the fall, shihochiku bamboo, a slender shoot can be harvested. "Takenoko Mura" offers bamboo shoot digging tours. It's about 20 minutes by car from Shimoda Station on the Izu Kyuko Line.

Première diffusion : 24 mai 2011

S2 E14 • Seki City, Gifu: City of cutlery

In this week's journeys in japan, we visit the Seki city in Gifu Prefecture. Seki city beats number one production of cutlery in Japan. At this time traveler Johan Gathright visits a city known for its cutlery industry and discovers its technical mastery and beauty. At first, he visited a shop where you can have buy all different kind of cutlery. And also you can sharp kitchen knife which you bring in. In Seki city, Japanese sword making has a long history, dating back to about 780 years ago. The technique and skills of sword making have been passed down across the centuries in Seki. The amount of production declined greatly in line with modernization but its mastery skill is still alive in today's modern cutlery industry. He visits a kitchen knife crafts man who has been making kitchen knife in traditional method for more than 60 years. He also went to the knife Museum where 1500 knives from around the world are displayed. This museum also offers hand-on knife making experience where you can put together knife parts and hone blade to complete your own knife. Along with kitchen knives, Seki City is a major production site of scissors. He visited the factory manufactures nine types of scissors. This factory making the special scissors used in fashion industry called "pinking shears". There are only two factories in Japan which can produce this kind of scissors. At the end he visited a master sword smith Kanefusa Fujiwara. Now on their 25th generation, the family's name and sword-making skills have been passed on to generations for almost 600 years. Traveler: John Gathright (University professor)

Première diffusion : 31 mai 2011

S2 E15 • Kobe, Hyogo: Kobe Kokashita - An Arcade - A Wonderland Under The Tracks

Kobe has an attractive shopping street that streches out long underneath an elevated railway track in the central part of the city. Measuring two kilometers in length and two meters in width, the shopping street is comprised of two narrow stretches each going to the opposite directions. The one in the east is "Sannomiya Kokashita Shopping Street", which is lined by a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including those dealing with trendy fashion, used clothes, and accessories. The other is "Motomachi Kokashita Shopping Street" that stretches to the west and is usually dubbed as "Motokoh." Originated in a black market from the postwar era, the shopping street thrived dynamically in the 1960s with many dock workers and sailors of foreign ships. In the present days, the shopping district grows increasingly distinctive as it goes toward the west. The west half attracts middle-aged and old shoppers as well, thanks to a number of shops that sell antiquities, vintage electric appliances, and used clothes. Unfortunately, the number of vacant shops is on an increase here because of the trend of time. But people from the kokashita shopping street are willing to organize new events to help cheer up the whole of Kobe with the power of art. The shopping street is free of any formalities. You can feel easy to go out in your everyday clothes and associate with local shop owners and customers. Among many unusual places is a restaurant which is always crowded with regular customers who repeat coming back almost every day. There are also shops where you can expect to find one of the rarest items. One of other shops may give you a chance to recall part of the memory from your prime time, with its merchandise. NHK World reporter George Bourdaniotis walks through the shopping street under Kobe's elevated railway track to bring you a lot of information.

Première diffusion : 7 juin 2011

S2 E16 • A Pilgrimage Back In Time: Kompira-san

Since ancient times people have made been making pilgrimages here to worship at Kotohira Shrine. Commonly known as Kompira-san, this shrine was thought to bring good luck, offer protection for sailors and assure abundant harvests. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth explores the area around Kotohira Shrine, which seems to have changed very little since the days of old. According to ancient records, the shrine was established a thousand years ago. Originally, the deity here was worshipped for safety at sea. But from the 17th century, it started to attract many pilgrims from across Japan. Even today, 3 million people a year visit Kompira-san. The shrine itself lies halfway up an outcropping known as Mount Zozu, at an altitude of 521 meters. There are many smaller religious sites on the route before reaching the main shrine. Pilgrims believe their prayers will be answered just by climbing to the top. This pilgrimage became very popular about 300 years ago. In those days it took about a month to get there from Edo - as Tokyo used to be called. Traveling by foot and boat, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most visitors. Haruka sets off by train again to visit a nearby town that has its own traditional specialty. This area is Japan's top producer of bonsai pine trees. They have been grown here for almost two centuries. The bonsai trees are planted in shallow trays. Over the centuries, intricate techniques were developed in Japan to produce these beautiful examples of nature in miniature. Gardeners carefully prune and train the branches, to create exactly the shape of tree they want. Quietly spending time tending bonsai trees - this has been a traditional pastime in Japan since the days of old. Traveler: Haruka Orth

Première diffusion : 14 juin 2011

S2 E17 • The Great Nature along the Shimanto River

This week on "journeys in japan" we visit the Shimanto River, which is considered to be one of the country's most beautiful. It meanders nearly 200 kilometers before it finally feeds into the Pacific Ocean. Our reporter Vincent Giry takes in its rare beauty and enjoys outdoor pleasures along it.

Première diffusion : 21 juin 2011

S2 E18 • Yamaguchi: Water's Power and Beauty

Première diffusion : 28 juin 2011

S2 E19 • Jewels in the Ocean Ogasawara Islands 1

Première diffusion : 5 juillet 2011

S2 E20 • A Precious Ecology Ogasawara Islands 2

Première diffusion : 12 juillet 2011

S2 E21 • Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture: Cormorant Fishing - An Ancient Tradition

Première diffusion : 19 juillet 2011

S2 E22 • Breathtaking Landscapes

Première diffusion : 26 juillet 2011

S2 E23 • Summertime, Easy Living: Niseko, Hokkaido

Première diffusion : 2 août 2011

S2 E24 • Kazuno, Akita Prefecture: Mining a Vibrant Culture

Première diffusion : 9 août 2011

S2 E25 • Getting Lost in Onomichi's Secret Alleys

Première diffusion : 16 août 2011

S2 E26 • Nature Sanctuary Oze's Marshland

Première diffusion : 23 août 2011

S2 E27 • Miyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Première diffusion : 30 août 2011

S2 E28 • A Vibrant Community: Yokohama Chinatown

Première diffusion : 6 septembre 2011

S2 E29 • The Soul of Okinawan Music Part 1

Première diffusion : 13 septembre 2011

S2 E30 • The Soul of Okinawan Music Part 2

Première diffusion : 20 septembre 2011

S2 E31 • Mount Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture: The Power of the Majestic Volcano

Première diffusion : 4 octobre 2011

S2 E32 • Subtropical Island Gem, Amami Oshima

Première diffusion : 11 octobre 2011

S2 E33 • Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture: A City Steeped in Traditional Craft Rate

Première diffusion : 18 octobre 2011

S2 E34 • Tono City, Iwate Prefecture: Discovering a Land of Legends

Première diffusion : 25 octobre 2011

S2 E35 • Izakaya Pub Culture: The Heart of Japan

Première diffusion : 1 novembre 2011

S2 E36 • The Flavor of Autumn

Première diffusion : 8 novembre 2011

S2 E37 • Sado: A Stage for Tradition

Première diffusion : 15 novembre 2011

S2 E38 • Blessings from the Mountains

Première diffusion : 22 novembre 2011

S2 E39 • Seto City, Aichi Prefecture: Home of Setomono Pottery

Première diffusion : 27 novembre 2011

S2 E40 • Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture: Paradise of Peace

Première diffusion : 29 novembre 2011

S2 E41 • Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture: Exotic Nagasaki

Première diffusion : 6 décembre 2011

S2 E42 • Nature's Great Amusement Park: Hakone

Première diffusion : 13 décembre 2011

S2 E43 • Kujukurihama, Chiba Prefecture: Living the Beach Life

Première diffusion : 20 décembre 2011

S2 E44 • The Rokko Mountain Range, Kobe: Mountain Climbing in Kobe's Backyard

Première diffusion : 27 décembre 2011

S2 E1 • Murakami: City of Salmon and Sake

Murakami, in Niigata Prefecture, northwestern Japan, has a long history of catching and processing salmon from the Miomote River that runs through the city. Over the centuries, the area has developed many customs and traditions, as well as numerous recipes for preparing the fish. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, George Bourdaniotis watches salmon being caught by the local fishermen. He visits a workshop where the fish are preserved by wind-drying in the traditional way, and he samples a wide range of local delicacies prepared using salmon. George also visits a sake brewery and observes the way it is prepared, using rice grown locally and water from the source of the Miomote River. These local products, which are still produced in the traditional way, give an introduction to "washoku", Japan's traditional cuisine, which was recently registered by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Première diffusion : 28 janvier 2014

S2 E2 • Hiroshima: The City of Hope

This episode of Journeys in Japan travels to Hiroshima, a city attracting attention as a treasure trove of quality architecture. Now nearly 70 years since the devastation of the atomic bomb, the program visits the city sights from the 3 viewpoints of architecture, war and tourism, exploring the city's history of urban development and architecture as it was rebuilt after the world's first nuclear attack. Our traveler on his first trip to Hiroshima is Charles Glover, an actor from the United States.

Première diffusion : 4 février 2014

S2 E3 • A Passion for Mechanical Magic - Aichi

On this episode, an architect James Lambiasi travels to Inuyama City and Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture, on a trip to discover the origin of the spirit of "making things" in Japan. In Aichi Prefecture, there are many companies known around the world, such as Toyota. For more than 30 years, the prefecture has been number-one in Japan for the total value of shipped products. And the foundation for that is found in the wooden robot "Karakuri Ningyo" or mechanized dolls of 400 years ago. The technology of Karakuri Ningyo has been enhanced from year to year, with a purpose of how to surprise viewers, and that process has brought about technology innovations in various fields, resulting in the manufacturing sector of Aichi today. On this trip, we learn about the spirit and values of "making things" passed on from old times to the current age in Japan.

Première diffusion : 11 février 2014

S2 E4 • Kobe: Neighborhoods Reborn

On January 17, 1995, the Kansai region of Western Japan was hit by a massive earthquake. The city of Kobe suffered massive damage, and many neighborhoods were completely flattened. 19 years later, the city has been rebuilt and there is a whole generation of young people who have no memory of the disaster. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, copperplate print artist Peter Miller visits Kobe to see how the city has changed, to meet with the local people and to attend a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.

Première diffusion : 25 février 2014

S2 E5 • Tochigi: Secret World of Samurai and Hot Springs

The hot spring resort of Yunishigawa is associated with an historic episode from the 12th century. Defeated in the Dan-no-Ura Battle, a group of fleeing Heike samurai settled deep in the mountains of present-day Tochigi Prefecture, where they found a source of hot springs. The warriors' descendants still dwell in the town. Yunishigawa Onsen has long been beloved by hot spring fans, but it experienced a drastic drop in visitors due to rumors following the nuclear accident of 2011, in neighboring Fukushima Prefecture. But the local community rallied, turning misfortune into an opportunity to encourage and inspire people. On Journeys in Japan, model and reporter Akane Nakajima visits the village. Interested in martial arts and the way of the samurai, she tries to identify with the samurai spirit through exchanges with Heike descendants.

Première diffusion : 4 mars 2014

S2 E6 • Sanriku: Lives Intertwined with the Sea

The Sanriku Coastal Region experienced severe damage due to the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake's resulting tsunami. On Journeys in Japan, Jessica Claros visits recovering areas along the Sanriku coastline in northeastern Japan. Her first stop is Ishinomaki, the Miyagi Prefecture's 2nd largest city. She visits a fish market to learn a little about the local fisheries and enjoy fresh seafood. She hires a taxi to go around the affected area in Ishinomaki and sees firsthand how the post-disaster reconstruction is progressing 3 years after that unforgettable day. Next, Jessica heads by train and bus to the hard hit town of Minamisanriku. There she finds accommodation at a family-run inn. She gets close to the Sanriku lifestyle through her encounters with local people living in harmony with the sea.

Première diffusion : 11 mars 2014